However, Ms Bishop's response to Ms Retno's request for more information on claims a boat crew was paid to return to Indonesia last month did not contain a full explanation, according to Indonesia's ministry.

In March, Jakarta responded tersely when correspondence from Ms Bishop urging a stay of execution for Andrew Chan and Myuran Sukumaran went public.

The letter, which began "My dear Retno", offered to pay costs for the men to remain in prison for life.